What is Hybrid Security?
A hybrid security is a security that has characteristics of one or more asset classes.
How Does Hybrid Security Work?
For example, a convertible bond is a hybrid security because it is a bond that allows the holder to exchange the bond for other securities (usually the issuer's stock). Mechanically, convertible bonds let the holder use the par value of the bond to purchase other securities from the issuer at a specified price.
For example, consider a Company XYZ bond with a $1,000 par value that is convertible into Company XYZ common stock. If the conversion price of the common shares is $25, then the bondholder can convert each of his or her bonds into 40 Company XYZ shares ($1,000 / $25 = 40). In this scenario, we would say that the conversion ratio is 40:1. Many hybrid securities are callable, meaning that under certain circumstances the issuer can redeem them before they mature.
Why Does Hybrid Security Matter?
Hybrid securities require their investors to conduct extra analyses. For instance, the conversion price is not the only aspect of a convertible bond to analyze. Like other bonds, convertible bonds usually offer a coupon, and their prices are based on prevailing market rates and the credit quality of the issuer. Because conversion would mean losing those interest payments, investors also compare the coupon payment of the bond to the dividend yield of the common shares when they're thinking of converting.
Another thing to consider when investing in hybrid securities is their trading behavior. For instance, the more a convertible bond is 'in the money,' that is, the more the market value of the shares exceeds the conversion price, the more the bond itself trades like a stock. The bond's price tends to rise as the stock price approaches the conversion price (similar to a call option). The more volatile the stock price when in this zone, the more volatile the bond price. Interestingly, this relationship allows convertible bondholders to participate in the company's stock price appreciation.
